Batang Gilas off to hot start in FIBA Asian Championship
Batang Gilas used its height advantage to the fullest as it smothered Lebanon, 75-53, for an opening day victory in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Under-18 Asian Championship Sunday night at the Nonthaburi Stadium in Nonthaburi, Thailand.
Sean Dave Ildefonso, the son of former Philippine Basketball Association Most Valuable Player, scattered 19 points, 11 in the opening period, while the 6’10 AJ Edu was good for 17 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks to lead the Filipinos.
“Good first win. First game jitters out of the way. I thought we defended really well and didn’t give up on plays. We need to learn from our mistakes and execute better offensively if we want to go far in the tournament,” said coach Josh Reyes, who praised the team’s solid rebounding effort.
Batang Gilas standout AJ Edu dribbles the ball against Ameer Kasab of Lebanon during the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Under-18 Asian Championship at the Nonthaburi Stadium in Nonthaburi, Thailand. PHOTO FROM FIBA.COM
Batang Gilas collared a total of 61 rebounds against the 36 of the Lebanese. They also had more assists (19-8) and three-point shots (9-3) than Lebanon.
Kai Sotto added 12 points and eight rebounds, while Dalph Panopio also contributed 12 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals also for the Filipinos, who didn’t trail the rest of the way.
Batang Gilas turned its 25-15 first quarter lead to a wider 59-41 cushion at the start of the final frame behind its balance attack. The Lebanese couldn’t get closer as much as below 16 points until the final minute of the last quarter.
Alexander Zanbaka led the Lebanese with 12 points.
Scores:
Batang Gilas 75 – Ildefonso 19, Edu 17, Panopio 12, Sotto 12, Ramirez 5, Amsali 5, Cortez 2, Chiu 2, Abadiano 1, Oczon 0, Torres 0, Lina 0
Lebanon 53 – Zanbaka 12, Kopaly 9, Dargham 7, Bedikian 6, Kasab 6, Htait 5, Khoueiry 3, Khayat 2, Mougharbel 2, Saade 1, Samaha 0, Karime 0
Quarter Scores: 25-15, 41-33, 59-41, 75-53
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